Biochemical and nutritional characterization of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) haustorium

- Coconut haustorium contained about 66% carbohydrates, in which 64% was soluble sugars.
- It contained a considerable amount of dietary fibre and mineral nutrients.
- It is rich source of phenolics and have high antioxidant capacity.
- It can be used in baby food formulations for those who affected by lactose intolerance.

Study was conducted to determine the biochemical constituents in coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) haustorium, a spongy tissue formed during coconut germination. Results indicated that 100g of dried coconut haustorium contained 1.05 ± 0.2% ash, 44.2 ± 4.6% soluble sugar, 24.5 ± 3.2% starch, 5.50 ± 0.3% protein, 1.99 ± 0.9% fat, 5.72 ± 0.4% soluble dietary fibre, 20.3 ± 1.9% insoluble dietary fibre, and 146 ± 14.3 mg phenolics. Mineral profiling showed that it contained 145 ± 8.6, 104 ± 9.6, 33.9 ± 8.2, 30.9 ± 1.9, 9.45 ± 2.1, 0.292 ± 0.1, 2.53 ± 0.2 and 1.20 ± 0.1 mg of K, Mg, Ca, P, Mn, Cu, Fe and Zn, respectively. Antioxidant activity assay indicated that 100g haustorium was equivalent to 1918 ± 173, 170 ± 20.4, 72.8 ± 14.7 and 860 ± 116 mg of Trolox as measured by CUPRAC, FRAP, DPPH and ABTS, respectively. Amino acid score indicated that methionine + cysteine (57.6%), phenylalanine + tyrosine (32.6%), leucine (45.7%) and isoleucine (68%) are found less in haustorium. Further studies needed in developing nutritionally balanced formulations using coconut haustorium, which will be useful for lactose intolerant children.